Canada-wide tree rule guide
Public vs private trees
A tree near the sidewalk or property line may be municipal even when it appears to be in a front yard. Public-tree rules are often stricter than private-tree rules.
What to check.
Before hiring a tree service, confirm ownership. Municipal trees commonly require City authorization for pruning, root work or removal, and private permits do not authorize work on a public tree.
Why there is no national yes/no answer.
Canadian municipalities use very different systems. Some regulate most larger private trees. Some regulate only woodlots, environmental lands or development sites. Others focus almost entirely on public trees. The city guide is where Tree Rules Canada publishes the local source-derived answer.
Research note
This page explains a research process, not legal or arboricultural advice. Confirm the current rule with the municipality and use a qualified arborist where tree health or structural risk is in question.